AASU Volleyball Picked To Defend PBC Title In 2009

SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Armstrong Atlantic State volleyball squad has been picked to repeat as Peach Belt Conference champions in 2009, according to a preseason poll of the league's coaches released today. 

The Pirates, who captured the 2008 regular season and tournament titles en route to the program's first-ever NCAA Elite Eight berth, received five of a possible seven first-place votes and 46 points total. PBC newcomer Flagler received two first-place votes and 39 points total and was picked second, followed by Francis Marion (35). 

The other newcomer to the league, Montevallo, received 33 points and is picked fourth, followed by Lander (31), USC Aiken (18), Augusta State (12) and UNC Pembroke (10).

AASU has picked up PBC regular season titles in three of the last four seasons. Last year, under head coach Will Condon, the Pirates finished 28-7 overall and 8-2 in the league. The Pirates return 10 players from last season's squad, including 2008 PBC Tournament MVP Torrie Bevolo and AVCA All-Region libero Casey Howett.

The Pirates open up the 2009 season on August 28-29 at the Anderson (S.C.) Invitational in Anderson, S.C. AASU's first home matches will be on Sept. 11-12 as the Pirates host the 2009 Chatham Orthopedics Pirate Volleyball Classic